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I came across Occupy Seattle and engaged a young lady in conversation. The main reason she was participating in the demonstration, she said, was because she had a double major from the U. of Washington and yet couldnít find a job in her fields or otherwise.

Her majors were peace studies and womenís studies. I wouldnít have hired her either, at least for any job that required some sort of analysis, because I could be sure that she had never heard or read anything that conflicted with the departmentsí accepted wisdom. Yet her sense of grievance was strong.

Alex Bensky

Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

The field of Peace Studies is alternatively known as Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and Peace and Justice Studies. It is concerned with the roots of conflict, the conditions for peace, and, ultimately, the daunting challenge of realizing peace on our little planet. To that end, if you major in Peace Studies, you'll read about and (hopefully) add to the large body of scholarship on the causes and prevention of war and how to create a more just and peaceful world.

Peace Studies is interdisciplinary (which means that most of the courses you take will be in other departments like history and international relations). The major began to develop in the 1960's and early '70's, during and shortly after the Vietnam War and at the height of the Cold War, and it encompasses a mishmash of concepts. Among other things, Peace Studies includes the analysis of peace movements, arms control and nuclear disarmament, peace activism, and conflict resolution. Courses in Peace Studies are likely to cover topics like civil disobedience, international economic development, international security in the post-Cold-War world, and conflict management at every level of society - from family violence to warfare between nations.

Basically, it teaches global social work. Can't imagine how the Fortune 500 can do without Peace Studies majors. I can just see the want ads:

Wanted: Fortune 500 company seeks self starter with BA in Peace Studies to resolve conflicts around the water cooler, teach non-violent civil disobedience to our union staff and talk those OWS idiots into vacating our plaza and not dumping motor oil in the fountain. Applicant should be well-groomed (bathing daily is required, we shouldn't have to say it, but given the applicant pool, it appears to be a necessity), own at least one pair of shoes (not sandals) and should be able to discuss issues with co-workers without attempting to incite violent revolution. Resumes should include work histories, but please consolidate barista gigs into one entry. Hand-written signage referring to desire to resolve conflicts in return for barter in lieu of resumes will not be considered.

Careers in peace studies
The degree in Peace studies prepares students for a variety of professions. Since the field of peace studies is interdisciplinary graduates can find careers in areas such as community activism, educators, advocacy, community and non government organizations, business and private sector, mediators, dispute resolution, researchers, government and federal jobs, international organizations, diplomacy, human Rights, labor unions, foreign policy, health, public policy, non-violence, journalism and media, economic development, law, environmental sector.

The entire curriculum is designed to produce an ignorant, self-righteous activist with a dearth of social skills, but a grab bag of tricks meant to disrupt and hinder productive activities. Anybody who's ever worked with someone like that knows that eventually, they end up making all manner of trouble on the job, because their entire mindset is based on finding and exploiting grievances. At best, you'll get a clown who hides the cable remote so that nobody can watch Fox News, but more likely, you'll get lawsuits, complaints to various government agencies and negative media scrutiny. Is it any wonder that she can't find a job?

The entire curriculum is designed to produce an ignorant, self-righteous activist with a dearth of social skills, but a grab bag of tricks meant to disrupt and hinder productive activities. Anybody who's ever worked with someone like that knows that eventually, they end up making all manner of trouble on the job, because their entire mindset is based on finding and exploiting grievances. At best, you'll get a clown who hides the cable remote so that nobody can watch Fox News, but more likely, you'll get lawsuits, complaints to various government agencies and negative media scrutiny. Is it any wonder that she can't find a job?